Righto! Why all the blather about higher and higher HP little whizbang
engines, when what a VANAGON needs is high TORQUE, at lower rpm's. Think
diesel, direct-injected diesels. VW has the best torque-monsters going, and
they bolt into the Vanagon fairly easily. TDI technology seems to skip right
over the heads of the geniuses in the far east, at least for the US market.
VW is at least thinking of the future and renewable fuel. Gimme 150 hp and
250+ ft/lbs at 1900 rpm. Subaru, can you match that, while achieving 50 mpg
(compact car) or 30~35 mpg van? I think not.

Karl
'87 Westy Syncro TD

-----Original Message-----

>Wait till next year when Subaru brings in the really hot engine!
>
>I think right around 300 hp.
>
>We all need that one.

Jeez, we've had those for years. Stock Impreza WRX STi Type RA,
claimed 290hp (and you can bet they're over 300 in reality). Also
twin-turbo Legacys are 290+.

>There are plenty of 240hp WRX engines with low miles imported from
>Japan sitting
>waiting to be picked up. $650. Will not work with manual trans but
>may with AT.

 These early hi-po engines however lack low-end torque...